A collage of SYFF participants and activities

Improving the life outcomes of young Scots through Film

SYFF believe that every young person has a story worth telling and that film is one of the most powerful ways to build confidence, creativity and opportunity. We use filmmaking not simply to teach technical skills, but to develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, resilience and self-belief.

By placing young people at the heart of the creative process—from developing ideas and writing scripts to filming, editing and sharing their work—we empower them to discover their own voice and realise what they are capable of achieving.

Our projects create welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute, regardless of background or previous experience, opening pathways into education, employment and the creative industries.

Watch Our Story

Sean Connery Foundation logoScreen Scotland logo

“My dad’s career in the film industry happened by accident and changed the trajectory of his life. Discovering the crafts and trades of filmmaking, beyond acting and directing, should not be reserved only for the rich, well-connected or lucky ones. And, making and discerning screen-based storytelling is nothing short of a vital 21st-century skill. It builds creativity, agency and voice, project management skills and empathy, to name just a few. Supporting SYFF, and screen education more generally, as a focus of our foundation is an exciting and natural expression of my father’s legacy that we hope will help to prepare the young Scottish people for the future that lies ahead,”

– SYFF Patron Jason Connery

Impact

Since inception in 2015, SYFF have worked around Scotland. This is SYFF in numbers.
View our 2025 Impact Report


11 Festivals
16 School interventions
20+ Partner organisations
35+ Outreach projects
3800+ Young people worked with on education and outreach projects
2000+ Festival attendees